Washington news

By Charlotte Henderson | Jul 21, 2014

Author to lead Campmeeting tour

On Tuesday, Aug. 5, Dr. Deborah Cooper Harding will conduct a tour of Washington’s Adventist Campmeeting area, give some of its history here, and share some faithful and humorous stories of her own and her family’s experiences. Harding is author of “We Shall Rise: A History of the Washington Maine Advent Christian Campmeeting Association,” which is in Gibbs Library. The Campmeeting site on McDowell Road is something of a curiosity to many who pass by but it has been home to hundreds of people for at least a small portion of the year for over a century. This opportunity is arranged by Washington Historical Society. The tour and talk are free but sign-ups are required so we know how many to prepare for. To be on the list please call 845-2661 for sign-up or more information.

Historical Society sets sights on museum

Washington Historical Society elected officers and set their sights on several projects for the coming months at its annual meeting July 15. Don Grinnell and Frank Campbell reported on progress of re-fitting the original old town house on Razorville Road for a museum. An open house is planned for that site in September. A program of music from the '30s and '40s will be held Oct. 10. Officers for the coming year are: Wendy Carr, President; Hazel Kopishke, Secretary; Linda Luce, Treasurer; Directors: Ron Luce, Charlotte Henderson, and Michele Jones. Liz Grinnell was voted the official WHS Archivist. Washington Historical Society membership is $5 per year and can be sent to P.O. Box 333 or paid at the next meeting. Anyone with an interest in the history and tradition of Washington, Maine is encouraged to join. Everyone is welcome to attend meetings, which are held on the third Tuesday of each month. For more information, call 845-2661 or email washingtonhistorical@gmail.com.

These board members will meet Monday, Aug. 4, at 7 p.m. at Gibbs Library to select officers and outline the coming year’s projects. Bylaw changes were approved in preparation for our tax-exempt status and a change in fiscal year to the calendar year. The association’s mission is to educate and inform our community about water quality conditions in local lakes, ponds and streams and how to protect water clarity and purity for the sake of plants, animals, people and our environment. People who support these goals are urged to join our association. For information contact us at wlwassn@gmail.com

Pesticide speaker suggests naturalizing

Gary Fish, professional horticulturist, arborist, and coordinator of the Maine Yardscaping Partnership suggests letting nature do its work. As guest speaker at Washington Lakes Watershed Association last week, he used slides to illustrate healthy and sustainable yards and lawns that use little or no fertilizer and pesticides and that require little maintenance. Particularly in areas around water bodies, keeping chemicals out of the soil is essential because they will inevitably make their way into the water. Fish cited studies which show a decline in water quality in over half the nation’s lakes since 2007. Local lakes Washington Pond and Crystal Lake have declined slightly but remain in “good” condition. Fish says we can all help maintain or improve water quality by making sure our yards absorb water and prevent run-off. Cultivating plants and shrubs that provide for birds and wildlife also helps keep soil in place. He refers us to the website yardscaping.org or suggests contacting a University of Maine Cooperative Extension office for more information and help.

Last call for Washington Challenge

The Recreation Committee’s 5K & Fun Run is Saturday, Aug. 2. If you want in – be sure to register. Get a registration form at the town website or contact Helen at 542-4639.

Concert Thursday

Harborside Harmony Barbershop Chorus is featured at this week’s free public concert on the lawn at Gibbs Library Thursday, July 24, at 7 p.m. This week’s sponsor is Washington Historical Society. Bring a chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the music. Refreshments will be available for purchase. In case of rain, we’ll be inside the Grange Hall.